- Hostile Nations Could Soon Exploit Quantum Computers to Compromise Existing Encryption Standards
- Current firewalls may require replacement to remain effective against quantum threats
- AI-embedded enterprise browsers increase exposure to attacks on corporate networks
Palo Alto Networks has warned that rapidly advancing technologies could soon render current security devices insufficient.
The security firm’s CEO, Nikesh Arora, suggested that hostile nation-states could possess weaponized quantum computers by 2029, or slightly sooner.
Arora noted that this development would require organizations to replace devices that rely on encryption to maintain protection.
Enterprise Browser Vulnerabilities
Arora framed the situation as a potential risk and a business opportunity, emphasizing that Palo Alto will soon offer a full range of quantum-safe products.
Chief Technology Officer Lee Klarich added that customers are increasingly planning for quantum-resistant infrastructure.
The company recently unveiled an enterprise-focused browser, citing a proof-of-concept study in which 167 of 5,000 browsers examined were compromised, highlighting the risks of modern web-based workflows.
Klarich projected that as AI-embedded browsers become more common, exposure to attacks will increase.
The company estimates that up to 100 million browser installations could represent significant monetization opportunities while increasing demand for security inspection technologies.
Palo Alto is simultaneously managing the $25 billion acquisition of CyberArk and integrating Chronosphere for $3.5 billion.
Arora expressed confidence in the company’s ability to merge these operations without disruption.
Chronosphere’s observability tools are designed to handle petabyte-scale AI data streams with minimal latency and at a lower cost than competing solutions.
The company believes these additions will enable a broader subscription-based model, where even a single firewall could be linked to ten or more discrete security services.
Arora noted that both AI and quantum computing are expected to significantly boost traffic volumes, which will require closer inspection and monitoring of data flows.
The expected arrival of quantum computing could require the replacement of many existing security devices, including firewalls, to protect sensitive data.
“From our perspective, AI and quantum technology will generate much more volume. So the more bits that circulate, the more they need to be inspected, which means the need for bit inspection technologies will not go away,” Arora said.
Users are encouraged to maintain up-to-date antivirus software to defend against conventional threats while employing identity theft protection to monitor for suspicious activity.
The evolution of AI-driven threats shows the importance of layered defenses and careful management of enterprise browsers.
Organizations and individuals must plan for a future where both traditional and emerging technologies require proactive security measures.
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